GODFATHER OF PUNK POETRY JOHN COOPER CLARKE RETURNS TO IGNITE STAGES
- by Asia Willis
- in Latest
The iconic John Cooper Clarke, infamous for his combinations of custom crafted poetry, sharp satirical wit, melancholic language, and hilarious political puns is making his way back to North America with a 10 city tour in the U.S. and Canada. The tour kicks off on April 30 in Las Vegas and culminates in Toronto on May 16. Treasured and adored across Europe, John Cooper Clarke is known in the U.S.A. today for his dry Manchurian wit on the final moments of the HBO Series, The Sopranos.
This poet, movie star, rock star and comedian who collaborated and toured with The Clash, The Sex Pistols, Elvis Costello and Alan Ginsberg, is the godfather of punk poetry and is legendary for his rhythmical and comedic performances.
“Swaying on his Chelsea boots, rocking the microphone stand and flicking through his well-thumbed notebooks, Cooper Clarke gives each poem a witty introduction.” - Chronicle Live
His acerbic, satirical, political and very funny verse, delivered in a unique rapid-fire performance style, resonated with the punk movement of the 70s. John became a figurehead for that movement and all it encompassed; John Cooper Clarke’s late1970s/early 1980s major label recordings are still influential today. And now, 40 years later, his work remains just as relevant as it was then.
“Clarke is the godfather of British performance poetry, a star of alternative comedy before there was even a circuit on which to ply his trade.”
- Daily Telegraph
"His metier remains scabrous social commentary, poetic whimsy and surrealist asides delivered at teeth-rattling velocity."
- The Guardian
In recent years Cooper Clarke has been a part of two worldwide # 1 albums. John’s first book of poems “Ten Years In an Open Necked Shirt” is one of the world’s best-selling poetry books. He is currently negotiating a new book deal for an imminent release. At home in Britain, Cooper Clarke’s trademark skinny flamingo profile, with its jaunty cockscomb of hair, is more identifiable than ever. The much-loved cultural icon is the subject of a BBC documentary, “Evidently John Cooper Clarke.”
After performing on a few dates on the West Cost in the fall of 2014 John Cooper Clarke is back to grace North American stages with his timeless works of poetic and comedic relief.
John Cooper Clarke’s latest download, “Live in London", is the soundtrack from legendary show that showcases his best work - old and new. “Live In London” is released on Fulfill Records and is available on iTunes, priced at $7.92.
Discography
Où est la maison de fromage? (1978)
Disguise In Love (1978)
Walking Back To Happiness (1979)
Snap, Crackle and Bop (1980)
Me and My Big Mouth (1981)
Zip Style Method (1982)
Word of Mouth (2002)
North American Tour Dates
DATE VENUE CITY
Thursday, April 30 - Hard Rock Hotel - Las Vegas, NV
Saturday, May 2 - El Rey - Los Angeles, CA
Sunday, May 3 - Great American Music Hall - San Francisco, CA
Tuesday, May 5 - Lincoln Hall - Chicago, IL
Thursday, May 7 - Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, NY
Saturday, May 9 - Stage One - Fairfield, CT
Monday, May 11 - World Café - Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday, May 12 - Hamilton - Washington, DC
Thursday, May 14 - Berklee Recital Hall - Boston, MA
Friday, May 15 - Rivoli - Toronto, ON
Saturday, May 16 - Rivoli - Toronto, ON
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